Manoeuvring Observations | Driving Test Manoeuvres

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Manoeuvering is a part of the driving test, that people worry about quite a lot, but it's the observational part of these exercises which usually catch people out.
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[@ashley_neal]

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[@elliotm]

Just a note to say your videos have really improved my driving mentality. And honestly, it’s amazing how calmer driving impacts positively on other areas of life.

[@GameWithViiP3R]

I will say I was a very angry driver before since watching ashley. I have been carmer, and my mpg improved. I enjoy driving and don't dread it

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

I seem overall calm compared to a few years ago.

[@SmileyOfEarth]

Exactly the same for me, only for cycling. Find the videos extremely useful even do I don`t use a car for transport.

[@loganwatkins97]

I am a trolley collector at Tesco in Wellingbourgh Northamptonshire and the amount of times I'm pushing a line of trolleys and drivers just select reverse and start driving backwards and either hitting the trolleys or near misses and thankfully they are going to hit the trolleys rather than myself or my colleagues. I'm having to wave or shout that I'm behind them. It also amazes me how many people don't do their checks or just rely on the camera inside the car! I get its a tool but surely checks around the vehicle is needed too. I am very aware of every car and checking if the car is running to make sure they aren't about to move. Thank you Ashley, next time I get hit I'll shout watch Ashley Neal on KZbin!

[@keithmartin1328]

I've noticed this in supermarket carpark too. People wondering aimlessly round, pushing trolleys, looking at their mobiles and not looking where they are going. Most drivers have these enormous SUVs that can barely get into the parking space because they were designed back in the 1970s for Ford Cortinas and Minis. Also the blind spots and the size of the vehicle makes it hard for some to negotiate road the car park.

[@neiltill]

When I took my driving test 30 years ago I was doing a parallel park, as I was reversing I noticed that I was going to hit the curb before I straightened up, I stopped the car pulled back along the car and did it again, got it spot on this time and we carried on with the test. When we got back to the test centre and finished my highway code questions, the examiner asked me about why I pulled forward again after my first attempt at parallel parking, I mentioned that I was aware of me going to hit the curb so I pulled forward to give it another go, my examiner said because of that I'm going to pass you because not everyone would of done what I did. So thanks to my instructor Pete who taught me that.

[@kenw394]

Now I feel old I didn't realise they had introduced the parallel park to the driving test that long ago. When I did my test it was reversing round a corner and the three point turn.

[@neiltill]

@@kenw394 I did both of them manoeuvres also

[@goodyeoman4534]

I do like to slow right down and do lots of checks over both shoulders when parking. I have noticed that, while most drivers are considerate in supermarket car parks, you always get those one who drive too fast, don't look, refuse to indicate and even speed over pedestrian crossings rather than stop.

[@smilerbob]

I had my foot run over (no damage) by one driver on a crossing in a supermarket car park a few years ago. Already half way across and at the last second saw the driver doing ~15 mph but looking for a bay to park into, head 90 degrees left and fixated and not at the road. Stepped back but not quick enough for my right foot. She was apologetic and shaken up by it. So much so that I believe she won’t be making the same mistake again so once she calmed down I went on my way and didn’t pursue it any further. Education not punishment in this instance

[@goodyeoman4534]

@@smilerbob Fair enough. Sounds like she was genuinely upset, and did it out of stupidity rather than aggressiveness. But stupidity will get someone killed just as easily as aggressiveness.

[@smilerbob]

@@goodyeoman4534 Indeed it can and not denying that. If she had acted differently then the education route would not have been sufficient 👍

[@balfit]

This is an area where I am constantly trying to improve. I think it is of the highest importance to acknowledge a weakness and target it, _especially_ in the case of driving. Thus, I am extremely grateful for every help I get in this area. Thank you for this very useful video Ash!

[@PedroConejo1939]

As a pedestrian, I once had someone reverse into me as I was crossing the road. I had no idea he was intending to move but he should have seen me if he'd bothered looking around him. The real problem was the speed he moved off at. In reverse. He stopped fairly sharpish when the noise of him hitting me finally made it into the cranium. I'm of the opinion that many drivers manoeuvre far too quickly.

[@smilerbob]

Hope all was OK after that for you. I am seeing an increasing number of drivers that are finishing off a Facebook post (other social media platforms available) on their phone while in reverse and then throw the phone onto the seat to immediately start reversing quickly while making sure the phone hasn’t fallen off the seat. No observations at all

[@Rover200Power]

A lot of drivers have feet made from lead. I'd say for 99% of my reversing I never use the throttle pedal. I move just by raising the clutch or in an auto letting off the brake. There is no need to be reversing at more than a few mph in most situations.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@smilerbob Yeah, I stayed on my feet and smacked down on the boot of the car pretty hard. It sounded far worse than it was and the poor bloke almost jumped clean out of his car. I considered the induced shock to be the end of the matter.

[@smilerbob]

@@PedroConejo1939 Good to hear and sometimes a shock is all that is needed to make people think 👍

[@goodyeoman4534]

You're right, mate. They didn't check and went off too fast. Shows the bovine disregard they have for human life, since they can't pretend they don't know how dangerous it is to reverse out like that. Reminds me of a time I got a lift back from Tesco from a colleague during my lunch break. It was a small, busy car park. She was nose in to the bay and just reversed out way too fast without checking at all. I held my breath but luckily no one was walking behind at that moment.

[@madmick9205]

I think this is a great demo. I think that the standard of instruction, and presumably testing, is a lot higher now than in my day. The way this was demonstrated was new to me. It's why I watch your content, to improve my driving.

[@davidhayes4777]

Or be an OWL: Observe Without Limit! Another first class explanation Ashley👍

[@Annnabannanna]

I'm 17, and thinking of learning to drive. Thank you for these videos, I learn a lot just by watching, and they are entertaining too.

[@skipmyster76]

I often ask the student “what can you see?” You do often find they look but don’t take in what’s actually around them 😂

[@picklestheswift]

I'm learning to drive and do these checks, my instructors car doesn't have any parking sensors or camera but my car does when doing manoeuvres in my car I had to turn off the parking sensors because they were annoying me! Thanks for another great video Ashley!

[@littlemissdumpling92]

Omg how did I pass my driving license 😳 😅 I only looked at mirrors and rare camera when parking and only sometimes would glance over my shoulder. Never again! I've learnt my lesson! Thanks Ashley!

[@laceandwhisky]

Don't ever forget a lifesaver look over Yer shoulder can save 1. Embarrassment 2. Motorcyclist injuries, heartaches or even their lives. 3 same for cyclists

[@WarrenF]

That’s why mirrors were invented, no need to look over your shoulder.

[@bluceree7312]

Like ​ @WarrenF says, you don't need to do what Ash did. In fact, spend 5 minutes in a busy car park and look around. no one parks like Ash does, and there is no chaos or accidents. Most people look at the mirrors or cameras now that new cars have them. IMO overdoing the observations can cause you to get distracted.

[@ianshelton9615]

⁠Most cars have s blind spot not covered by mirrors that’s why an over the shoulder check is totally in order and needed. Ex qualified driving assessor.

[@user-jg6vw3em9f]

Excellent video Ashley as always and have learned so much watching your reversing driving skills.

[@clivesurrell1876]

They say "every day is a school day". Having been driving for 40 years, if I was ever taught the "six point check method" I've forgotten it. Will put that into practice straight away. Thank you very much.

[@richardharvey1732]

Hi bAshley, yesterday morning I took a basket of laundry to the Laundrette during a spectacular snow storm, I dad a lot of difficulty using the side mirrors on the van because they kept getting covered in snow!, further compounded by the condensation on the inside, when I got to the shop I did my usual thing of reversing into the small car park and driving out onto the street again to park at the kerb, as I looked in the mirrors my first thought was that I really could not see much but had to make a quick decision, it was clear as I came past and there were no pedestrians, if I stayed where I was for too long the chances of somebody turning up out of sight increased so I did the turn as quickly as I could!. The whole exercise was a good example of that standard thing where the shortest journeys can be the most hazardous!. It was also a stark reminder of just how much I depend on good clear vision of my surroundings. At this point I feel I should point out that the van I have been driving for the last fifteen years in a small one with no rear windows of inside mirror this makes checking what is behind me more or less impossible! I have to rely on observations made as I pass before doing any reversing. Cheers, Richard.

[@smilerbob]

Random question, any reason you didn’t warm the engine up and have the warm blowers on the windows? I find having the windows open a crack also aids in condensation removal and quite often the heat helps keep the snow to a minimum on the mirrors. Not all the time though I might add You are right about the shortest journeys are the most dangerous

[@richardharvey1732]

@@smilerbob Hi Smilerbob, thank you for this response, as I was writing my comments I was thinking about why I was admitting to the dangerous behaviour, it was because of exactly that, the fact that it was a journey a=of less than half a mile each way and there was no real reason to take the time and fuel for a proper warm up, I did not even bother with my usual large bowl of hot water over the windscreen to get rid of the condensation inside, I did at least consider the error of my ways and try as hard as I could to be careful. I did wipe the mirrors before I set off each way but they were still not as clear as they usually are. What you get now is a list of all the dismal excuses I could think of to hide the fact that I was not prepared to deal with the conditions that were in effect but tried to ignore reality because I was more interested in my own agenda, the fact that once again I got away with it just demonstrates that the environment is no where near as hostile as some would like to think! Cheers, Richard.

[@smilerbob]

@@richardharvey1732 We have all been there. I have the t-shirt and one of my previous vehicles has the battle scar as well. I thought your journey might have been a little longer than that hence the question. I have had the opposite on one occasion where all was clear until I put the heater on at which point the condensation arrived. Rather annoying as I had already started the journey and was on the road which is when I discovered properly the open window trick. I have also had the slight mist appear on the outside, use the wipers only to have it freeze on me mid driving. Luckily my vehicle now has heated windscreen and mirrors so not that bad of an issue but not looking forward when I change if the new car doesn’t have the same luxuries. Completely understand your reasoning and while I try my hardest to avoid that situation myself now I would like to thank you for taking my question in the manner it was intended, a genuine question not to be judgmental. All the best and take care

[@richardharvey1732]

@@smilerbob Hi Smiler Bob, thank you very much for this continuation of a thread on what I must confess is a somewhat trivial topic!. I do however think that it is a good idea to go over one's habits, especially driving habits, I get so used to just following the same routines and procedures without actually thinking about them!, one that I do sometimes remember is the habit of walking round the vehicle before I set off to ensure all the tyres are inflated!, it is one of those things that once I get going and everything feels alright I realise I forgot to do that time!. One aspect that I often think about is that because I still really like driving I am more interested in the journey than the destination and that helps me to pay more attention to what I am doing, I get the distinct feeling that many drivers actually don't like driving at all!, they just want to get somewhere without any trouble, sadly that can lead to lack of attention, distraction and 'accident'. Cheers, Richard.

[@smilerbob]

@@richardharvey1732 Completely agree with everything you say there and here is to many, many years of happy driving. My daily commute used to be one of those “get to the destination” driving types and then one day it all changed and every drive became an experience looking out for subtle things to keep the attentiveness. Now I do not have a daily commute as such unless doing the school run counts but I have a similar philosophy where each journey should be savoured and not endured Take care and all the best

[@kirisinloden1872]

Perfect, exactly what I've been struggleing with

[@andrewgilbertson5356]

I drove fork lift trucks for much of my working life, this sort of continuous observation became second nature to me at work. Idiots would walk directly behind, in front, underneath raised forks in order to keep up pick rates. Of course they weren’t meant to, but as the driver it was down to me to stop until safe. So my pick rate went down. Even had “them” coming into ares chained off, when I was operating VNA !!

[@StevenBeard]

Keep up the good work 👏 Ashley, I consider your videos very educational 👏 👏 👏

[@kenbrown2808]

here's a hack for consideration: if you're nose in to a building with a glass front, you can use the glass as a mirror, as well. specially useful if you're in a low car, and a couple taller vehicles are alongside.

[@smilerbob]

Thank you for highlighting the key point that speed is relative to observations. If you can’t observe quickly then speed should be slower. I know of a few on here, like myself in a previous incarnation of employment, drive vehicles with no rear window and back when I was driving them no rear camera either so observations on approach and slow reverse with good mirror and “out the driver window” looking was key for being safe for everyone. There was always at one a month that would have there head in another dimension and would walk behind but luckily I always saw them Happy Saturday everyone and hope the roads are clearing well for those that have had snow and ice recently

[@kenbrown2808]

I always shake my head at people who will walk behind something with no visibility to the rear, and its backup alarm sounding. yeah, I'm in the group that's driven a thing or two with no vision to the rear except the wing mirrors. I've even driven one with only one mirror about the size of a two pound coin.

[@bluceree7312]

I've driven outside the UK in over 25 different countries for around 70,000 miles. Never did any of what Ash is doing in the video and never had any accidents or even small incidents, touch wood. When I moved here I had to pass the driving test to convert my license, and I had to learn these observations Ash is talking about. They are useful to pass the test but in my opinion they can be distracting in real life, and now I'm having to unlearn some of these things. I believe the best is to do these observations unconsciously or covertly without making any visible movements that the instructor/examiner could see but nevertheless, as the anecdotal experience suggests, I never put anyone in danger due to lack of observations, but now with these newly acquired skills I find myself second-guessing myself which is not good. Sometimes less is more. IMO, I need to get rid of this over-observation habit.

[@jimg492]

Great vid as always. Something that has bugged me, how come we are taught to use the rear window view when reversing. What would happen in a panel van?

[@MeTube3]

It’s not just a camera in a modern car, it’s also sensors that detect other conflicting objects and audible warnings. My car screams at me if there is anything in the vicinity and has a total conniption if there is a car, bike or pedestrian moving.

[@R04drunner1]

Great video. I notice you didn't reference the rear view camera, presumably because a camera is not always present or could be obscured by muck. I find the camera very useful, especially since it has a wide angle lense thus allowing me to see to either side of the car. It's easy to include the rear camera in the observations (just dip the eyes when looking forward) but important not to fixate on it.

[@cdn42]

I was spoiled by a top-down 360 degree camera view on an Infiniti QX80 I hired in the US. I think it's a Nissan Qashqai in the UK - it was a nice luxury especially as the vehicle is so large but I'd rather have good old fashioned observations and convex blind spot mirrors! So often I see people backing out or in to parking spaces staring down at their radio instead of out all around. I always give them a wide berth.

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

Ash, what'd you think about these cctv/reversing camera setups with the reversing aids on the screen? I've been in vehicles with other family members who have them and use them to help them reverse park etc, but they seem fixated on soley using this aid to the exclusion of performing any actual observation ! (I've refrained from being the 'back-seat driver' for the sake of avoiding an argument but also, making my own observations whilst they manoeuvre as a fail-safe check for them.)

[@ashley_neal]

I usually say use them to help, not to do 👍

[@keithdenton8386]

I only ever use them. Three mirrors three cameras. I can see more that way, and quicker to observe at all times. Looking like he does takes longer to do than a glance at the aids you have . 360 vision at all times. I have to reverse down a narrow street to park outside my house. I never look behind, and without the mirrors and parking sensors I could not do it.

[@broadsword6650]

Cameras are a tool, just as mirrors are. As noted in the video, modern car design makes the view to the rear very restricted and the cameras are there to remedy that. Think of them as an electronic mirror.

[@_Steven_S]

4:33 not stare, but driving a van I probably spend a higher proportion of manoeuvring time looking at my mirrors - along with all sorts of head angles for the passenger side 🙂 7:56 interesting interpretation of hands-free mobile phone use...

[@davidrumming4734]

Nice demo. This is virtually the same to how I was taught to drive. I think the risks of hitting another car or person in a car park is actually very high…people seem to “switch off” and fall into a false sense of security, wether they are on foot or behind the wheel. I mean, what can happen in a car park? Answer: lots. Reversing alongside the kerb has changed with newer cars, and some more than others…to the way you describe in the video. Many cars inc mine are a bit of a fat pig design at the back to max out interior space-I have learned since getting this one some 3+ years ago, the back wheel needs to look like it’s about to touch the kerb before I straighten up. Sensors front + back and a backup camera with Wide angle mode is a massive aid. Just today I was parked front in at a bay with a massive new discovery one side and a transit van the other. The only way I could see left & right was with the backup camera on wide angle. Btw before anyone says…reverse in/drive out….on this specific example you can’t. The other end is a kerb And the edge of steep bank which drops away to the main road below….nowhere to stand & load.

[@thomaselliot2257]

Not having any parking sensors, I spend my time doing all these checks and manoeuvre one way then manoeuvre another way in between parked cars . However when I leave my car I find I STILL park sqinty 😖

[@chickentikka7890]

Same drives me crazy

[@smilerbob]

It isn’t your parking…the lines weren’t painted straight 🤣

[@juddy_1997]

Hi Ash. The idea just came to my mind, could it be possible for us to see a pov driving video if it's legal in the UK. I feel it would be a great example of how you would drive on a daily basis. It would kind of fit into the "how to drive like an instructor video". I think it would show a much better perspective. 😀

[@ashley_neal]

Noted!

[@koppadasao]

I don't know how to parallel park. My driving instructor asked if that was something I was interested in learning, but I refused as I would never use it. He then asked what I would do if I was asked to do it on my driving test, and answered, as I'd already been instructed to do, that I would reject the suggestion based on my lack of knowledge. We were instructed during the theory classes that refusing to do a maneuver would be better than attempting and failing, as it would show that you know your limitations.

[@ashley_neal]

Refusal can mean the test will be terminated

[@koppadasao]

@@ashley_neal Then your system sucks. Refusing a maneuver you are unable to perform should be way better than attempting the maneuver and crash, or worse

[@ashley_neal]

Refuse to do the whole thing then and pass. That works 👍

[@MeTube3]

@@koppadasaothe test requires you to demonstrate you can drive a car and perform certain manoeuvres. If you can’t demonstrate the skills then you can’t pass the test. Or I’m going to submit a thesis for PhD with blank sheets of paper. Because I “know my limitations”.

[@koppadasao]

@@ashley_neal I have another story to add when it comes to the local test center. It also goes to show that refusal may be paramount. The story goes that person taking the test makes it through the test perfectly, just to obey the test instructor’s final order to park the car somewhere along the side of the building. But alas, when the car’s been parked the test instructor delivers the blow: “you failed the test in the last minute for failing to obey a ‘no entry’ sign.” There’s a ‘no entry’ sign on the side of the building, meaning that to park the car beside the building you have to drive all the way around it. If you don’t do that, it’s a major failure and an automatic failure.

[@citizencaveman1655]

Once upon a time I popped into my bank. The guy parked at the back of the taxi rank right outside reversed without looking. And slammed straight into a pedestrian.

[@leeholden8658]

Even with good observations (I have no reverse camera,so observations are key) you still can get caught out like I nearly did. A child left her bike on the floor in a busy supermarket car park. Mirrors and all window (I have 8 inc the windscreen) observations did not pick up the bike on the ground and I nearly reversed onto it.

[@smilerbob]

One reason why I will walk around the car before getting in to make sure nothing is in the way. We have strong winds on the way where I live so a branch can quite easily get hidden at the back It can even be part of the routine of getting in the car, walk along the passenger side to open the boot then down the driver side to get in. Also aids in making sure the tyres still have air in them 😉

[@kenw394]

It's fairly straightforward to retro fit a reversing camera to a vehicle especially if you get the wireless versions. Took me about an hour to fit mine. If your not confident in doing it there are plenty of places that can fit them for you.

[@barrymurton8988]

How where camera/sensors on newer cars come into the mix or are they all switched off for new drivers?

[@cactusbase3088]

I was walking through a car park for a local park when this van/estate type vehicle suddenly started to reverse quickly towards me. I had to quickly step away from it and also shout a warning otherwise it would have hit me. There was no excuse for the driver as there were no obstructions blocking their view of me walking behind. The driver was then extremely rude and aggressive as they presumably did not take too well my warning shout. I said to them politely that they need to be better at their observation skills before moving away. That was like a red flag to a bull. They jumped out of their vehicle and wanted to, as they put it, 'smack my head in'. Frankly such poorly skilled drivers with such an aggressive attitude should not be allowed the privilege to drive ever - lifetime ban. It is a privilege, not a right. The more people realise this and get dealt with appropriately, the safer our roads will become.

[@kenbrown2808]

I've found the most powerful attraction in the universe isn't gravity. it's a car going into reverse. more seriously, I've found over the years, that people in car parks often stop observation altogether. which makes proper observation all the more important.

[@FlavourlessLife]

That pov cam was pretty cool...

[@goldengargoyle1579]

I once saw some dude pull in front of a space, stick his head out of the window then start speeding backwards into the spot. No other observations.

[@hamshackleton]

If I had a £1 for each time I've seen someone reversing while turning left, but staring fixedly out of the right side window, or even the windscreen!

[@130rapid]

7:53 OMG.... :X

[@garymoores9248]

Ashley, is hands steering past 12 o'clock at ANY time still a NO NO?.. or, as in your video, allowed when reversing/manouvering?

[@ashley_neal]

It's been fine for as long as I've been an instructor (23 years)

[@garymoores9248]

@@ashley_neal i passed 1988 but was always taught 10-2...push/pull etc.. but never past 12 o'clock.. every day is a school day :)

[@chillies4156]

Nice video

[@clivewilliams3661]

The biggest problem with manoeuvring a modern vehicle is the ridiculously sized A, B and C pillars that form a significant obstruction to any visibility. Our Skoda Superb is one of the better vehicles on the road for visibility but I still can't see vehicles approaching from the right on two local obliquely set junctions. The B pillar is in the way and so is the seat back/headrest leaving just a narrow vertical slit to look through that gives a dangerously small angle of view, no amount of painful contortion helps the situation and I have on occasion chanced pulling out as I was not confident in that I had seen everything. On the other hand my 1974 VW Beetle has slim pillars that cause me no trouble at all. God only knows how some car drivers of other models cope. I suspect that modern car designers are so fixated by style that they forget that people have to drive their cars - it is after all a founding principle of ownership. Maybe that is why there is a greater reliance on reversing cameras. I often use the principles of observation that I first learnt in driving a commercial van although the range distortion of modern side mirrors now makes that risky.

[@MeTube3]

It’s not about style, those heavy pillars are crash and rollover protection that might save your life. To achieve NCAP ratings. An old 70s car roof would flatten too easily. I find it very easy to move my head and look round the pillars.

[@clivewilliams3661]

@@MeTube3 I thought this might be raised and I don't doubt that the pillars do that job in a modern car, but they din't need to be so big. You only have to look at competition cars to see the size of a roll cage that is designed to provide a greater protection than required for NCAP ratings. The FIA standard for a roll cage for a saloon car passenger protection cell is to accept a minimum of 7G on the roof, 2.5G front and back and 1.5G from the side. The minimum roll cage that is acceptable is a 6 point one that has A, B and C pillars with cross bracing in a more simplified layout. The standard competition roll cage consists of 38mm tubing that is designed to take the whole of the crash protection as the strength of the bodyshell is discounted. Just have a look at any competition car crash and you will see that the body, including the pillars often collapse but the roll cage stays basically in shape. Look at open top competition cars that have just a roll cage above the door line and you will get an idea of how slim the pillars could be. The car designers could achieve the crash protection with smaller pillars but they choose not to.

[@MeTube3]

@@clivewilliams3661 putting a roll cage inside a competition car is a very different engineering problem to hiding the protective structure and maximising the interior cabin space and access for a normal road car that seats 4 to 5 people.

[@clivewilliams3661]

@@MeTube3 The point I was making is that to achieve the passenger cell protection the structure need only be 38mm (or less) diameter or an equivalent form. In a modern car that equivalent form is a grotesque and unnecessary size. I have seen many competition cars with roll cages that have been exceptionally well integrated in classic cars where the overall size of the pillar including the cage is much less than is found on modern cars and those example will exceed any NCAP rating.

[@MeTube3]

@@clivewilliams3661 not really comparing the same. A cross braced roll cage has a different structure than a perimeter cage, plus a normal modern road car has curtain airbags in the pillars.

[@reachandler3655]

Just as well I don't drive, my neck was hurting just watching! How do those with limited neck mobility cope?

[@kenbrown2808]

same as those in vehicles with fewer windows cope: you learn to make more advantageous use of mirrors.

[@keithdenton8386]

I used to drive vans and lorries,you get used to not being able to look over your shoulder and relying on your mirrors.

[@cargy930]

Fair enough in a van or a lorry, since there's no other way to do it. But if you're saying you're doing the same thing in your car - where you *can* see over your shoulders - then that would be silly.

[@130rapid]

It's miserable how many modern cars force to do the sweeping 'heron look' behind driver's A-pillar.

[@PedroConejo1939]

It is horrible but on the upside, they don't half make a difference when it all goes tits up. There was a company, Volvo?, that was playing with A pillars that were as strong but had sight lines through them. That was some years ago and I haven't heard anything since.

[@130rapid]

@@PedroConejo1939 Indeed, it was Volvo SCC-2 concept.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@130rapid Yep, that's the fella! Better than the other companies that were developing all sorts of screens to accomplish the same thing.

[@ShalomBrother]

My test Centre 20 years ago didn’t have a car park so I didn’t get taught to bay park 😂

[@bofor3948]

I bet most people have seen the classic fender bender, where two cars backing out of diagonally opposite car park bays have reversed into each other. They both then claimed their view was clear and the other person wasn't looking. Neither of them liked it when I said I would fill in a witness report, for both of their insurers, stating that neither made sufficient observations and manouvered too quickly. Only wish I had caught it on my dashcam. btw that mobile loving cyclist, letting the two wheelers down again.

[@Bikeops2021]

Any tips for van drivers?

[@PedroConejo1939]

Bobble your head and mirrors, mirrors, mirrors.

[@cactusbase3088]

Watch out for other van drivers 🙂

[@carlpearce2252]

I generally teach my students when doing observations to have a pregnant pause so they are seeing and not just looking.

[@Jonc25]

Life was so much easier in a 80's fiesta popular plus.😄

[@em0_tion]

"Keep your head on a swivel."

[@keithdenton8386]

You may well be related to an owl. Most of us aren't. I never do this. I use my mirrors and my camera's I never look behind as I can't revolve my neck as much. I would also be very dizzy. I used to do this in my old car in the 70S as it only had a central mirror. Wing mirrors were only on luxury cars. Motorbikes did not have mirrors at all.

[@cactusbase3088]

Incorrect. Most of us are able to do this. Most though are too lazy too but I feel for the minority such as yourself that have issues doing this. Mirrors and cameras do not cover everywhere. Maybe Teslas cameras do but they look to be just poor resolution to be safe to rely on.

[@holdenman8850]

Hi Ash, 8 mins in.. Did you see the handfree cyclist on their phone?

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

yeah, that guy on the bike was not paying any attention to anything but their mobile phone....

[@holdenman8850]

@@RicardoPetrazzi and they wonder why they get injuries or even killed.

[@laceandwhisky]

Must of been son of Jeremy vine 😂

[@holdenman8850]

@@laceandwhisky probably mate. He's got a big family of idiots like this guy lol

[@tomtscotland]

Good one. Need to spend less time looking at rear camera.

[@bdeithrick]

I’d need neck surgery and 15 mins to recover from brain shake . All that for two car lengths. Best bang it into reverse and stare at phone. That works for them

[@MatrixFuse]

I genuinely got motion sick 😫

[@problemchild1976]

People think observations are only about what the car is doing.

[@inyobill]

In my experience, "walking away from my vehicle" is no guarantee. Peole can change direction in and situational awareness appears very poor on average.

[@georgejohnson1498]

A horrible fashion in modern car designs is thick pillars and the tendency for high waistlines. Also add in such shallow sloping front windscreen that the A-pillars really do impinge on visibility when cornering ... Modern car design may be more aerodynamic, and thus slightly more fuel efficient, but cars are becoming increasingly difficult to drive safely, or manoeuvre with accuracy. How many SUV with such high screens in the doors and rear do you see parked with a wheel up the curb? Too many for sure ... They days of the Volvo 200 and 700 series with their great visibility have long gone. And you could easily see all four corners for ease with parallel parking and turning into a narrow entrance. In so many modern cars the furthest forward you can see is the top pf the dash-board! So that young modern drivers have a much harder time than we did forty years ago with such as the old Volvos or the Mini Clubman Estate. Love your videos. Best wishes from George

[@kenw394]

The thick A and C pillars are a result of the Euro NCAP safety rules on cars and not a fashion statement by car manufacturers. So in protecting passengers inside they have made it less safe for people outside, if drivers aren't proactive with their observations.

[@PedroConejo1939]

Some American SUVs have such poor over-the-bonnet visibility that one experiment placed SEVENTEEN children in front of a typical US SUV and the driver couldn't see ANY of them. This is why cameras are so widely provided now.

[@georgejohnson1498]

@@kenw394 I sometimes think "elf and safety" have gone too far and produced unintended consequences as well. If people feel safer in modern vehicles they take more risks, including going faster. But pedestrians and cyclist have exactly the same reaction times as previous generations. I do take your point about the reason for thick pillars, for sure. Best wishes from George

[@georgejohnson1498]

@@PedroConejo1939 And strangely watching a screen adds to the danger of not observing through the windows! More madness. Best wishes from George

[@chillies4156]

Hi

[@grahamnutt8958]

If you are travelling faster than your observations, not only can you miss something........ Worst case Scenario; you hit someone or something. Stay safe out there 👍

[@exwhyz33]

Pedestrians should be equally vigilant of moving vehicles, especially in car parks.

[@OutlawJackC]

Hi :)

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

Deleted my original comment, people misunderstood what i meant. I'll just play it safe and agree that observing is good and i do it also. Just not as much as this, this is more to pass your test.

[@grahambonner508]

I thought your previous comment was very clear. Still you of course have the right to withdraw it. Just one observation regarding your second comment- I really don't think Ashley teaches students to "just pass the test" this is (in my opinion) very important, so many minor and some major accidents are down to a lack of observation whilst manoeuvring.

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

@@grahambonner508 Which is what i agreed with but it all depends on how you observe. Too many people (Maybe not yourself) worried over what could happen instead of what is happening. Now i only take that statement like a pinch of salt as planning is a good thing. I do observe when reverse bay parking but not like this, yes i use my mirrors more but i'm always aware of what's around me. I've done it long enough to know how to check.

[@Cohen.the.Worrier]

Why would you ever reverse into a parking bay? Just why? Nearly everybody does it, very poorly I might add. Nobody has been able to explain to me why they do it.

[@PedroConejo1939]

It's much easier (ergo, safer) when pulling out, especially if you've been boxed in by two SUVs, which is not exactly uncommon. The only reason I don't reverse in is if I'm going to be loading through the tailgate.

[@PauldeVrieze]

If you do it correctly it is also much easier to park in a narrow bay as you don't have the nose of the vehicle sticking out (into the car next to you).

[@julianpenfold1638]

I might be missing something but most of the time you either need to reverse in or reverse out. I've always thought that there are more potential hazards waiting for you if you reverse out, so I reverse in. Interested to hear your take on it.

[@cactusbase3088]

Ashley! I think this warrants a video 🙂